Michael of Kiev

Our father among the saintsMichael of Kiev (Mikhail I) was the first Metropolitan of Kiev, from the year 988 to 991. He is commemorated by the Church on September 30, and on June 15 the day of his repose.

Life

Saint Michael arrived at Korsun in the year 989 with other clergy, not long after Prince Vladimir'sbaptism. Not much is known of his early life, but it is likely that he may have been Bulgarian, Serbian, or Syrian by birth.

Being the first metropolitan of the Russian Church, he traveled the newly-enlightened Russian lands, preaching the Holy Gospel, baptizing and teaching the newly-illumined people. He credited with establishing the first churches and religious schools.

St Michael died in the year 992 and was buried in Kiev. In about the year 1103, his relics were transferred to the Antoniev Cave, and on October 1, 1730 into the Great Church of the Caves.